Actor Darren McGavin is best known for playing the title role in the ABC television horror series Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974- 1975), and for his portrayal of the grumpy father in the film classic A Christmas Story(1983). He also appeared in the starring role in the 1950s syndicated TV series Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer (1958 – 1960). McGavin also starred in the NBC western series Riverboat (1959 – 1961).